Funding from Texas BOOT II Program Will Connect Over 6,750 Rural Homes and Businesses
The State of Texas has awarded Lyte Fiber, LLC, $57.8 million to expand high-speed broadband internet access in Marion and Navarro Counties.
Awarded through the State’s Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program, the funding enables the Houston-based internet provider to connect more than 6,750 unserved or underserved rural homes and businesses, thus playing a crucial role in bridging the digital divide.
“This investment in broadband expansion is not solely about laying fiber; it’s about supporting economic growth, educational opportunities, healthcare access, and an overall enhanced quality of life for Texans in rural and underserved areas,” said Greg Conte, Director of the Texas Broadband Development Office. “We are dedicated to ensuring that all Texans have access to the internet speeds necessary to succeed in today’s digital landscape.”
“This significant funding award underscores Lyte Fiber’s unwavering commitment to building cutting-edge, lightning-fast, future-ready fiber infrastructure across Texas. As a Texas-based company, we are especially honored to partner with the State on this important endeavor to serve Texas families and further enhance the State’s economic competitive edge,” Lyte Fiber CEO Carter Old said.
The company plans to invest more than $11 million of its own funds in these projects, installing more than 900 miles of fiber infrastructure throughout Marion and Navarro Counties.
“Bridging the digital divide in rural Texas requires collaborative public/private partnerships strategically focused on delivering game-changing, affordable fiber connectivity to thousands of Texans who have gone too long without the connectivity they need and deserve,” Old added.
The State’s financial support comes from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which voters approved in 2023 to improve digital access throughout the state.
The BOOT Program, overseen by the Texas Comptroller’s Broadband Development Office (BDO), is a competitive grant initiative to provide fast, affordable broadband to communities in need. Lyte Fiber’s network buildout will bring reliable, gigabit-speed internet to these counties, creating new opportunities for residents and businesses.
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